Inflatable tourniquet

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an inflatable tourniquet including an inflatable occluding band, for placement about a limb of a patient, a pump for inflating the occluding band, wherein the pump is capable of producing sufficient pressure within the occluding band in order to block blood flow in a vein of the patient, a fluid conduit, in fluid communication between the occluding band and the pump, and a pressure relief valve, for releasing the fluid from the occluding band.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] The instant invention generally relates to an inflatabletourniquet and the method of use thereof. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to an inflatable tourniquet to facilitate medicalpractitioners' drawing of blood and/or starting an intravenous line.

[0003] 2. State of the Art

[0004] The process of drawing blood or starting of an intravenous linerequires that a vein of the patient be punctured with an aperture/needletip. This process, known as venipuncture and performed by medicalprofessionals numerous times a day, is sometimes easy and sometimes not—especially for inexperienced or tentative practitioners, and whenperformed on elderly or young people, or intravenous drug users.

[0005] Each heartbeat consists of a period of cardiac contraction and aperiod of cardiac relaxation resulting in a pulsating flow of blood,which can be palpated at various arteries in the body, such as thebrachial artery in the arm and the radial artery in the wrist. As bloodtravels through the body, resistance within the blood vessels leads to acontinuous decrease in blood pressure throughout the circulatory system.As a result, the large veins of the arm, for instance, have a much lowerinternal pressure than the arteries that feed these veins. In addition,the walls of the veins are thinner than those of the arteries becausethey contain less muscle. This combination of lower internal pressuresand thinner walls makes veins more easily collapsible.

[0006] Under normal conditions, veins are in a near collapsed state andmust be distended prior to venipuncture. It has generally been foundeffective for the medical practitioner to first apply a tourniquet toblock the blood flow from the vein, while at the same time allow passageof blood thereto. Presently, medical practitioners utilize an elasticband, tying it to the upper arm to cut off the flow of blood from thevein located at the intersection of the bicep and forearm. However, thisprocedure sometimes fails, as the pressure applied by the tourniquet maybe excessive thereby blocking the flow in the artery that feeds thevein. Conversely, if too little occluding pressure is applied, the veinmay partially empty, which leads to inadequate distention. Accordingly,there is a recognized need for a more effective method and apparatus tocut off the flow of blood from the vein, but allow free flow through theartery that feeds the vein.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea method and apparatus for cutting off the flow of blood from a veinwhile allowing free flow through the artery that feeds the vein.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide atourniquet that may be easily adjusted.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aninflatable tourniquet and the method of use thereof.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aninflatable tourniquet for use by medical practitioners in preparationfor venipuncture.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aninflatable tourniquet for use by medical practitioners in the drawing ofblood and/or starting an intravenous line.

[0012] These and other objects of the present invention will be apparentin the following description.

[0013] The present invention provides an inflatable tourniquet includingan inflatable occluding band, for placement about a limb of a patient; apump for inflating the occluding band, wherein the pump is capable ofproducing sufficient pressure within the occluding band in order toblock blood flow in a vein of the patient; a fluid conduit, in fluidcommunication between the occluding band and the pump; and a pressurerelief valve, for releasing the fluid from the occluding band.

[0014] The present invention further provides an inflatable tourniquetthat does not include a mechanism for measuring blood pressure, yet mayinclude a simple pressure gauge for measuring pressure within thetourniquet.

[0015] The present invention further provides a method of preparing apatient for the insertion of a needle into a vein, by providing aninflatable tourniquet including an inflatable occluding band, a pump,and a pressure relief valve; placing the occluding band about a limb ofa patient; and inflating the occluding band using the pump, so as toproduce sufficient pressure within the occluding band to block bloodflow in the vein of the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016]FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of the present invention asapplied to a limb of a patient.

[0017]FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 depicts a partial side view of the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention take along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

[0019]FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0020]FIG. 5 depicts a partial view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In brief overview, the present invention involves a method andapparatus of providing an inflatable tourniquet to enhance the processof drawing blood, and/or starting an intravenous line, which requirethat a vein of the patient be punctured with an aperture/needle tipincluding, but not limited to, a syringe. While finding a vein isgenerally an easy task with healthy individuals, there is a recognizedneed for special attention with patients that are elderly, very young,or intravenous drug users. These individuals have thin veins that do notprotrude, or have simply collapsed from excessive use. The presentlyavailable elastic bands utilized for tying the upper arm to cut off theflow of blood from the vein, sometimes fail because the pressure appliedby the tourniquet, if excessive, blocks the flow of blood into theartery that feeds the vein. Conversely, if too little occluding pressureis applied, the vein may partially empty presenting inadequatedistention. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of theprior art by providing an effective method and apparatus to cut off theflow of blood from the vein, while allowing the free flow of bloodthrough the artery that feeds the vein.

[0022] With reference now to the figures and, in particular, withreference to FIG. 1, there is depicted a representation of the preferredembodiment. The inflatable tourniquet of the present invention generallyincludes an inflatable occluding band 10, a pump 12, a pressure reliefvalve 16, and a substantially flexible tube 14 in fluid contact betweenthe occluding band, pump, and valve. The occluding band is generally anelongated rectangular device (FIGS. 2 and 4) that is wrapped about alimb of the patient, as shown for example only in FIG. 1, and may bespecifically sized for children or adults. The occluding band includes aclosure to hold it firmly on the patient's limb. The closure ispreferably an arrangement of hooks 26 and loops 28 (FIGS. 2-4), whichallows for variations in the size of the patient's limb. Nevertheless,various other systems may be utilized, such as ties, snaps, belts,elastics, or any other device that would provide the desired closure.The occluding band may also be provided in other shapes, such as acontinuous ring or any other shape that would provide the desiredresult.

[0023] Once the occluding band is positioned on the patient's limb,fluid is pumped into it so as to apply a continuous ring of pressureabout the limb, which is effective in cutting off the flow of blood outof the veins below the occluding band—but not sufficient to occlude anartery. This is preferably done by initially elevating the pressureabove the level required to occlude the artery and slowly relieving thepressure until the vein is distended. The fluid is preferably air, butother fluids may be substituted. The air is pumped into the occludingband using a simple handheld bladder pump, but other pumping devicesthat provide the desired function may be substituted. The pressurerelief valve may be positioned anywhere, as long as it is in fluidcommunication with the occluding band, such as on the pump, the fluidtube, the occluding band itself, or even on a separate fluid tube.

[0024] Once the flow of blood out of the veins is blocked, the pressurebuilds up engorging the veins close to the obstruction. In this way, theveins become distended and more visible, thereby giving the medicalpractitioner an easy target. If too much fluid is pumped into theoccluding band, the artery that feeds the vein may be blocked. However,unlike conventional tourniquets, the pressure can be released in smallincrements without removing the tourniquet and starting over. Simply byreleasing the fluid via the pressure release valve the flow to thearteries can resume, while the veins remain blocked.

[0025] Various techniques may be utilized to attain the optimaloccluding band pressure. One technique involves the palpation of thepatient's radial artery. The occluding band is inflated until the radialpulse is no longer palpable. The pressure is then slowly released untilthe pulse just becomes detectable again, at which point no further airis released until the vein distends sufficiently for the medicalpractitioner to perform the venipuncture. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 5, the present invention may include an indicator, which can moreaccurately indicate the presence of a pulse. Additionally, a gauge witha needle, which pulses with each cardiac contraction, may be utilized.The operation of the present invention including a gauge follows thesame steps as the abovedescribed technique involving the palpation ofthe patient's artery. In fact, any indicator including, but not limitedto, visual and audio signaling devices may be substituted.

[0026] While the foregoing has described and exemplified aspects ofvarious embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the artwill recognize that alternative elements and techniques, and/orcombinations and sub-combinations of the described elements andtechniques, can be substituted for, or added to, the embodiments andmethods described herein. The present invention, therefore, should notbe limited to, or defined by, the specific apparatus, methods, andarticles-of-manufacture described herein, but rather by the appendedclaims, which are intended to be construed in accordance withwell-settled principles of claim construction, including, but notlimited to, the following:

[0027] Limitations should not be read from the specification or drawingsinto the claims (e.g., if the claim calls for a “chair,” and thespecification and drawings show a rocking chair, the claim term “chair”should not be limited to a rocking chair, but rather should be construedto cover any type of “chair”).

[0028] The words “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are alwaysopen-ended, irrespective of whether they appear as the primarytransitional phrase of a claim, or as a transitional phrase within anelement or sub-element of the claim (e.g., the claim “a widgetcomprising: A; B; and C” would be infringed by a device containing 2A's,B, and 3C's; also, the claim “a gizmo comprising: A; B, including X, Y,and Z; and C, having P and Q” would be infringed by a device containing3 A's, 2 X's, 3 Y's, Z, 6 P's, and Q).

[0029] The indefinite articles “a” or “an” mean “one or more”; where,instead, a purely singular meaning is intended, a phrase such as “one,”“only one,” or “a single,” will appear.

[0030] Where the phrase “means for” precedes a function, it is intendedthat the resulting means-plus-function element be construed to coverany, and all, implementations of the recited function using any standardtechniques known by, or available to, persons skilled in the relevantart. A claim that contains more than one means-plus-function elementshould not be construed to require that each means-plus-function elementmust be a structurally distinct entity; rather, such claim should beconstrued merely to require that the overall combination whichimplements the invention must, as a whole, implement at least thefunctions called for by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preparing a patient for the insertionof a needle into a vein, comprising the steps of: a. providing aninflatable tourniquet including an inflatable occluding band, a pump,and a pressure relief valve; b. placing said occluding band about a limbof a patient; and c. inflating said occluding band using said pump, soas to produce sufficient pressure within said occluding band to blockblood flow in said vein of said patient.
 2. The method of preparing apatient in accordance with claim 1, wherein said inflating isinsufficient to block arterial flow to said vein.
 3. The method ofpreparing a patient in accordance with claim 1, wherein said inflatingis initially sufficient to block arterial flow to said vein.
 4. Themethod of preparing a patient in accordance with claim 3, furthercomprising the step of providing a gauge with a needle that pulses witheach cardiac contraction of said patient.
 5. The method of preparing apatient in accordance with claim 3, further comprising the step ofpalpation of said patient's pulse.
 6. The method of preparing a patientin accordance with claim 5, further comprising the step of releasingsaid pressure when said pulse is no longer palpable.
 7. The method ofpreparing a patient in accordance with claim 6, further comprising thestep of detecting said pulse.
 8. The method of preparing a patient inaccordance with claim 7, further comprising the step of ceasing saidreleasing of said pressure when said pulse is detected.
 9. The method ofpreparing a patient in accordance with claim 3, further comprising thestep of providing an indicator for detecting said patient's pulse andsignaling thereof.
 10. The method of preparing a patient in accordancewith claim 9, further comprising the step of releasing said pressurewhen said pulse is no longer palpable.
 11. The method of preparing apatient in accordance with claim 10, further comprising the step ofdetecting said pulse.
 12. The method of preparing a patient inaccordance with claim 11, further comprising the step of ceasing saidreleasing of said pressure when said pulse is detected.
 13. The methodof preparing a patient in accordance with claim 1, further comprisingthe step of releasing said pressure until said vein protrudes.
 14. Themethod of preparing a patient in accordance with claim 13, wherein saidreleasing is performed in steps so as to allow sufficient time for theblood flow to build up within said vein.
 15. The method of preparing apatient in accordance with claim 14, further comprising the step ofinserting a needle into said vein.
 16. An inflatable tourniquetcomprising: a. an inflatable occluding band, for placement about a limbof a patient; b. a pump for inflating said occluding band, wherein saidpump is capable of producing sufficient pressure within said occludingband so as to block blood flow in a vein of said patient; c. a fluidconduit, in fluid communication between said occluding band and saidpump; and d. a pressure relief valve, for releasing the fluid from saidoccluding band.
 17. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim16, wherein said tourniquet does not include a mechanism for measuringblood pressure.
 18. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim17, further comprising a pressure gauge, for measuring pressure withinsaid tourniquet.
 19. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim18, further comprising an indicator, for sensing and indicating saidpatient's pulse.
 20. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim19, wherein said indicator emits a signal in response to said sensing ofsaid pulse.
 21. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim 20,wherein said signal in response to said sensing of said pulse is avisual signal.
 22. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim20, wherein said signal in response to said sensing of said pulse is anaudio signal.
 23. An inflatable tourniquet consisting of: a. aninflatable occluding band, for placement about a limb of a patient; b. apump for inflating said occluding band, wherein said pump is capable ofproducing sufficient pressure within said occluding band so as to blockblood flow in a vein of said patient; c. a fluid conduit, in fluidcommunication between said occluding band and said pump; and d. apressure relief valve, for releasing the fluid from said occluding band.24. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim 23, furtherconsisting of a pressure gauge, for measuring pressure within saidtourniquet.
 25. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim 23,further consisting of an indicator, for sensing and indicating saidpatient's pulse.
 26. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim25, wherein said indicator emits a signal in response to said sensing ofsaid pulse.
 27. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim 26,wherein said signal in response to said sensing of said pulse is avisual signal.
 28. The inflatable tourniquet in accordance with claim26, wherein said signal in response to said sensing of said pulse is anaudio signal.